Midsummer's Eve Fair in Mainz

Mainz is well known in Germany for its carnival antics – but let's not forget that the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate also hosts another, equally exciting event – the Midsummer's Eve Fair.

Attractions here include the splashtastic Buchdruckertaufe or Gautschen, a traditional baptism ritual for apprentice printers and typesetters, along with theatre, comedy, entertainment and music on six city-centre stages. The fair always culminates in style with a fireworks display above the Rhine.